Wrong-way turnpike crash in Westminster kills man

A wrong-way crash on U.S. 36 has left one person dead and three injured Wednesday morning, Feb. 20, 2013. (RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post)

A driver of a car heading the wrong way on U.S. 36 in Westminster crashed head-on Wednesday into an eastbound vehicle, killing one person and injuring three. (RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post)

The driver of a sport utility vehicle heading the wrong way on U.S. 36 in Westminster crashed head-on into an eastbound sedan, killing one person and injuring three others at about 2:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Eastbound traffic on the Boulder turnpike was shut down between Wadsworth Parkway and Sheridan Boulevard for nearly six hours after the driver of a Ford Escape went the wrong way and slammed into an Acura coupe.

"We do suspect drugs or alcohol may be a factor," Westminster police investigator Cheri Spottke said.

Spottke said a male passenger in the Ford, identified as 25-year-old Vincent Gibson of Broomfield, was dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford was identified as 23-year-old Britni June Dunn, also of Broomfield. Police said she was being treated at a hospital and charges would be filed upon her release.

The driver and a passenger in the Acura were transported to local hospitals. Police said neither has life-threatening injuries and their names are not being released because of the ongoing investigation.

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WESTMINSTER, CO. - FEBRUARY 20: A driver of a car heading the wrong way on U.S. Highway 36 in Westminster crashed head-on into an eastbound vehicle, killing one person and injuring three, February, 20, 2013. Eastbound U.S. 36 was shut down between Wadsworth Parkway and Sheridan Boulevard, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation's website. (RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post)